HIV Dignity & Right to Health Award - Call for Nominations

The Dignity and Right to Health Award aims to model, mobilise and encourage creative and sustainable ways that enhance the dignity and human rights of people and communities living with HIV/AIDS epidemic and affected by the epidemic.

The Committee of the ICMDA HIV Initiative are pleased to announce a call for nominations to to the 2009 ICMDA "Dignity and Right to Health Award".

The Dignity & Right to Health Award is an activity of the International Christian Medical and Dental Association HIV Initiative. The award provides an essential opportunity to recognise, support and publicise the most outstanding role models and champions acting to stop this global epidemic. It is positioned as an important symbol for ensuring that voices from diverse communities and countries are acknowledged.

The Award will be given to individuals for excellence, outstanding leadership and compassion in responding to HIV/AIDS. The process will seek nominees who demonstrate the following:-

• significant impact at local and wider level,
• empowers others in integrated community responses,
• facilitates church integration and participation in best practice models of care
• demonstrates excellence in full community involvement and empowerment of People Living With HIV and AIDS (PLWHA)
• works, facilitates and advocates for gender equality in community participation and response to the epidemic
• links well with government and other actors in a comprehensive approach to the epidemic
• models creative and compassionate responses that inspire many to similarly enhance the dignity and human rights of people infected and affected by the epidemic
• does justice, loves kindness, and walks humbly with their God [Micah 6:8]

The 2006 winner Dr Biangtung Langkham continues his inspiring work in India where he works in a HIV epidemic especially supporting intravenous drug users and commercial sex workers.

The 2007 winner Dr Ruth Nduati of Kenya continues her inspiring work advocating for and providing best practice services for women, children and their families in Kenya, Africa and internationally.

The 2008 Winner, Dr Geoff Foster continues to work as a paediatrician in the challenging situation of Zimbabwe. Geoff continues to play a significant role in protecting dignity and rights of children.

The call for nominations for the 2009 Dignity and Right to Health Award of the ICMDA HIV Initiative has commenced. Nominations are requested to be submitted by November 2, 2009. The 2009 winner will be announced in preparation for World AIDS Day, December 1, 2009.

For nomination forms and detailed award criteria please email team@icmdahivinitiative.org